Medical Microbiology BSc

The study of Medical Microbiology at the University of Leeds requires expertise in a range of areas, such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology, which we'll train you in throughout your undergraduate degree.

You’ll be introduced to topics affecting health on a global scale, such as how pathogens like Ebola virus and bird flu emerge, how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics and how infectious agents hide from the immune response.

There’s a focus on practical and analytical training in microbiological and molecular techniques, including the chance to carry out an extended medical microbiology-themed research project in your final year. These experiences will equip you for a wide range of future careers in scientific and health research, and beyond.

Make an Impact

Microbiology is the study of living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Medical Microbiology focuses on the ways in which these microbes affect our health, and the importance of microbiology in medicine.

Course highlights

• An opportunity to study disciplines complementary to Medical Microbiology such as Biochemistry and Genetics.

• A wide range of research-led optional modules including Cell Biology of Disease, Introduction to Pharmacology, Chemotherapy, The Power of Genomics.

• Extensive training opportunities in medical microbiological and molecular techniques – essential for careers in scientific research.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Medical Microbiology (Industrial); MBiol BSc Medical Microbiology; MBiol BSc Medical Microbiology (Industrial); MBiol BSc Medical Microbiology (International).

Both our Microbiology and Medical Microbiology courses offer the same content for Year 1, with key modules introducing you to the essentials.

Through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practicals in the labs, you’ll be introduced to topics such as immunology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology – laying the foundations that you’ll build upon in years two and three.

At the end of Year 1, there are opportunities to transfer between the Microbiology, Biological Sciences and Biology courses (including Genetics).

In Year 2 you’ll continue to develop an all-round understanding of the essential topics in biosciences, such as biochemistry, while also beginning to specialise in topics such as medical virology and medical immunology.

The end of the second year also offers you the chance to take a study year abroad or a year in industry to further develop your skills.

During Year 3 you’ll focus on the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases, the problems of antibiotic resistance, and specialist study of fungal and viral infections.

The focal point of your final year will be an in-depth research project in which you’ll take all the skills you have developed in your degree and apply them to your own independent research, while under the supervision of a leading academic.

You’ll also be offered the chance to study advanced topics in medical microbiology, developing cutting-edge knowledge and laboratory techniques as well as essential transferable skills that will help you really shine in the graduate job market.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA - ABB

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  BSc: Overall pass with 60 credits and a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, with distinctions in at least 30 graded level 3 graded at D30M15P0 including Biology and Chemistry units (15 units in each), and a merit in all the remaining graded credits

  We accept Access courses in Applied Science. We will also consider (depending on subject content):

  • Biochemical Sciences

  • Biological and Environmental Science

  • Biological and Health Science

  • Biological Sciences

  • Biosciences

  • Combined Sciences

  • Environmental Science

  • Life and Biological Science

  • Life Science

  • Medical and Health Science Professions

  • Natural Sciences

  • Physical & Natural Sciences.

• BTEC

  BSc:
  Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma qualifications are required to have A2 level Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A2 levels and at least one of these should be biology or chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science. Offers would be grade A in the A2 level science subject and Distinctions in the BTEC qualification.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:
  D3/D3/D3-D3/M1/M1 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  Applicants offering the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives qualification are eligible to receive a standard offer, as shown above, plus an alternative offer. The alternative offer would be D3/M1/M1 including Chemistry and another science subject plus D3 in Global Perspectives.

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc:
  35-33 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H3,H3,H3 including H2 in Chemistry or Biology and another science at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB-ABBBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science- related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  BSc:
  AAA-ABB including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Advanced Skills excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics. Science-related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geography, Geology, PE, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics, Use of Mathematics.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: BBB

MBiol – A Level: ABB

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

Given the huge importance of microorganisms to all aspects of our lives, microbiologists will always be in demand. Microbiology is an exciting, challenging and rewarding subject; it has a key role to play in the health and development of mankind.

Typical graduate destinations include employment in laboratories in academia, healthcare and industry, as well as careers in law and other professions. Some graduates go on to further study at MSc or PhD level.

Careers support

Dedicated employability team

We have a dedicated employability team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre to support your development.

We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are typically taken between your second and final year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.